i have a 2001.5 s4 and for some reason after i drive around for a bit then turn my car off to go into a store or something for a few minutes when i come back out my temp is quit a bit past center. what are somethings i should look for? and is that normal, its been about 104 degrees around here lately in az. i figured it was just heat soak because after driving for a minute or so it will go back to center.

 

it does sound like heat soak to me in that heat you probably could boil an egg on the hood lol, a new thermostat and coolant might be a good idea but it doesn't sound as if you have an issue unless you cant get heat into the car ( that might sound silly but you should turn the heat on at least once per month to keep the system functioning ) other wise valves in the heating systems lock up

 

the water pump and timing belt were changed 12k mi ago. i think the coolant is fresh. and for some reason the car slowly loses water, so it has me a tad worried. about a quart every 4k or so. also where would the thermo be located and how abouts do i go flushing the cooling system if i were to do it. Also, where can i go to get a book on how to work on this car haha. dealer?

 

Haynes manual is cheap and shows you where and how

 

for the coolant lose check all the hose clamps are tight but you can expect to use more coolant in those temps